ROSEMOUNT, Minn. - The Soldiers of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division had a unique opportunity to speak with one of the U.S. Army's five Muslim chaplains April 7-10, 2017. U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Khallid Shabazz, I Corps deputy command chaplain, travelled from Fort Lewis, Washington, to Minnesota to provide professional development for the division chaplain section.

"Soldiers perform at a higher level when they are spiritually fit," said Minnesota National Guard Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Buddy Winn, the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division command chaplain. "And, it's our job as chaplains to make sure Soldiers have their spiritual needs met, regardless of faith. Having Chaplain Shabazz here as a Muslim Chaplain provides the diversity in religious background that we can't provide internally."

There are five major religions supported by the chaplaincy: Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist, but over 200 religions are recognized. Chaplains can only perform services for their particular religion, but they can provide support for all Soldiers, regardless of their faith.

"Chaplains embrace cooperation without compromise," said Winn. He explained that chaplains are able to provide support to Soldiers of all religions without compromising their own faith's beliefs.

Shabazz told Minnesota Muslim community members, during a Q&A session at the Masjid An Nur in North Minneapolis, that a large part of what chaplains provide is support for non-religious issues. While at the mosque, Shabazz performed a Muslim service for attendees. A few Muslim Soldiers of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division were in attendance.

"People were surprised that accommodations were made for Muslim Soldiers," Staff Sergeant Alkali Yaffa said of the reaction by some Muslim community members during the Q&A. Yaffa, an admin non-commissioned officer with B Company, Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, encourages other Muslim Soldiers to put themselves out there.

"You don't have to hide your religion," he said. "As long as you are doing the right thing, you don't need to be worried."

Yaffa, originally from Gambia, was hesitant to share with his command the fact that he was Muslim, but is glad he did because of the amount of support he has received.

"Even in Iraq we did not have any issues," he said. "I was the brigade guidon bearer, up in front of everyone. Thirteen people applied for my job and I was selected. It does not matter what your religion is. You are judged by your performance."

Winn coordinated the meeting with the Muslim community members, but admitted that having Shabazz there helped to provide credibility to his efforts. There was a lot to be gained from Shabazz's visit, Winn said.

Shabazz said Winn had a lot of courage to reach out to engage the Muslim community Shabazz. Everyone was able to set aside their biases and find common ground.

When asked why he felt it was important to reach out to local Muslim community members, Winn said, "We need our chaplaincy to reflect our formations."

"The trip was a success," said Shabazz. "I came to talk with the team about what units need to do to provide support to all religions... A chaplain must make sure people from all walks of life are taken care of regardless of faith."

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.